Principal Solicitor (Planning) M611

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced planning lawyer to join our supportive and forward-thinking legal team. This is an excellent opportunity to undertake high-quality planning and development work within a large and ambitious district council, with flexible and fully remote working options available.

We offer modern working practices including agile and remote working with full administrative support and a new modern case management system. We are open to applications from candidates wishing to work fully remotely, subject to service requirements.

Who are we looking for?

We welcome applications from qualified Solicitors, Chartered Legal Executives and Barristers from either the public sector or those looking to move into local government from another sector.

You will be a highly motivated, proactive and committed legal professional, able to work autonomously while contributing effectively as part of a team.

You will have significant experience advising on all planning and development management matters and be able to manage a varied caseload with minimal supervision, on matters including:

• Drafting of section 106, deed of variation and unilateral undertaking agreements.
• All aspects of planning enforcement work including enforcement notices, lawful development certificates and breach of condition notices.
• General advice on all aspects of town and country planning law.
• To manage planning appeals, Judicial Review and statutory challenges.

If you feel you have the necessary experience and skills to undertake this role we would like to hear from you.

In return, we offer the following key benefits:

• Agile working for most roles
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave of between 35.5 and 40.5 days of leave (depending on length of service and pro rata for part time), inclusive of bank holidays
• Most services are closed over Christmas
• Professional fees paid
• Staff discounts and benefits scheme
• Car benefit scheme
• Free parking
• Subsidised leisure facilities, cycle to work scheme
• Town Centre & Train Station walking distance to office
• Leicester, Nottingham & Derby less than 30 mins away

About the Council

Charnwood Borough Council in Leicestershire is an ambitious and dynamic organisation with a strong focus on supporting communities, looking after the environment, and creating a thriving economy.

We are also customer focused, both internally and externally.

We are looking for a talented legal professional to help us deliver our ambitions and values.

Charnwood is one of the largest shire district councils in the country based on population, serving around 183,000 people.

We offer a range of services, with everything from refuse and recycling collections to the operation of a theatre and historic markets.

The Council strongly believes a diverse and inclusive workforce helps make our services better. We value the individual strengths of each colleague and the potential they bring.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and strive to promote a disability confident culture. To find out more about our Disability Confident commitments including reasonable adjustments and the guaranteed interview scheme please visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/equality_diversity_and_inclusion.

We have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) and have achieved the AFC’s Employer Recognition Gold Award.

Colleagues are also actively engaged through our Staff Forum and groups such as our Health and Wellbeing Group and Equality Working Group.

For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Nicola Ford, Head of Legal & Electoral Services [email removed]

No agencies please.